CC: Ch. B, Objections Mock Trial

Talk to the Judge

100

What is the decision of the Judge if s/he disagrees with the objection?

Overruled

200

What does the Judge say when s/he agrees with the objection?

Sustained

300

How do you challenge something the other side is bringing into evidence?

Stand and say: "I object your honor."

400

If you have more to say to support your objection, what should you say?

"May I be heard?"

500

What do you do if you disagree with the Judge's ruling on your objection?

Sit down. 

Make the Objection

100

"London Packard, would you have bought Franklin's Trench for a dollar, if given the opportunity?"

Objection, Your Honor, the Counsel is calling for an IMPROPER EXTRAPOLATION, or LACK OF PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE.

200

"Reese Dentner, you're a sneaky rascal who has done illegal things to get a story, aren't you?"

"Objection, Your Honor! Only the witness's reputation for truthfulness is at issue."
IMPROPER CHARACTER TESTIMONY.

300

"Emerson Turnkin, do you believe the crane could lift such overweight panels?"

Object Your Honor! Counsel is asking for an OPINION for which s/he is not qualified.

400

"With incentive deadlines, insurance policies, mandated penalties, multiple injuries, and high tension on site with the squatters, the cost for this project were high and you were willing to do anything to gain your ultimate goal, weren't you, Tatum Zillias?"

Objection, Your Honor! The question is AMBIGUOUS. 

500

"Everyone got a revised weather report at noon, correct, Micah Estratton?"

Objection, Your Honor! Counsel is calling for HEARSAY. There is no way Micah could be aware of what everyone received.

Why is it Hearsay?

100

Define Hearsay

An untestable report by a witness of what someone else was heard to say (in order to prove the truth of their testimony).

200

Give an example of Hearsay, it does not need to be part of the trial materials.

Director will judge your response.

300

Reese Dentner: "Em Turnkin hated the squatters and called them 'Mole People'"

Although Emerson Turnkin calls the squatters Mole People, it is Hearsay to infer that s/he hated them.

400

"The gap in the fence to the south of the site means Arty Dent could have easily sabotaged the north side of the crane."

Correlation is not causation. Insufficient evidence, unless Arty Dent left a note saying he used the gap to access the crane.

500

"I believe since Arty's manifesto claims 'The Power of the Wrench' and a wrench was found in the crane's gears that morning, then he probably panicked and used the fire ax to chop the hydraulic lines."

What one person believes is Hearsay unless they actually saw Arty with the ax at the crane.